Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Today is October 1st, the day they roll out the insurance contract for 2009. There was ambiguous language in the '08 contract regarding prosthetics. I had several discussions about this with KHPA and was assured that it would be made "more clear" for '09. Still giddy from my phone call last night, but also realizing that the contract was written LONG before my phone call, I didn't expect a revision in my favor. Instead, what I found made it abundantly clear that the discrimination towards amputees continues:

"Coverage is limited to the basic (standard) appliance or device which will restore the body part or function. If you elect to purchase a prosthetic appliance or device with deluxe enhancements or features such as electronic components, microprocessors or other features designed to enhance performance, the Plan is only responsible for the amount that would have been allowed for a basic (standard) appliance. You will be responsible for paying the additional cost of the deluxe enhancements, electronic components, microprocessors, performance enhancements, comfort, convenience or luxury items."

You talking to ME?!

I feel really ripped off. I wanted the performance enhancing, comfort model with the convenience features, luxury socket, deluxe-enhanced toes and all I got after paying 25% of my after-tax, after-insurance-premium annual salary was this microprocessor. Dang.

About Me

I'm here to draw attention to the lack of insurance fairness for amputees. As you can see by the photos, I am an active person with a variety of interests. Restrictions on medically necessary prosthetics are not on par with medical coverage. Disparity = Discrimination = Disability. This blog will be used to document my fight to return to my active lifestyle.

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Quote of the Moment

Jeffrey Cain, MD, is a bilateral lower-limb amputee and a member of the Amputee Coalition’s Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Cain is an excellent example of how prosthetic devices can help amputees function in their daily lives and contribute to society rather than become dependent on it.“Being able to have prosthetic devices means that I can take care of my patients and teach medical students,” said Dr. Cain.Unfortunately, working people with employer-provided health insurance plans are often the ones with the biggest problems, Dr. Cain noted. “Because employer-provided insurance plans are increasingly introducing unreasonable limits and caps, if you have a job in America – if you are a hardworking member of society – you can’t afford a leg to stand on. It’s gotten that bad.”